McDonald's has launched an eight-week test of two new everyday affordable price menu constructs across roughly 1,900 U.S. restaurants in a handful of regions, spanning all day parts, according to a Nov. 4 third-quarter earnings call reported by Audacy and Scripps News.

Scripps News, citing the AP, reports the bundles could pair a McChicken sandwich with small fries for $3.50, and that both mix-and-match and fixed-bundle structures are being tried. CEO Chris Kempczinski said the goal is to launch a new national program in early 2027.

Notably, Scripps News reports that around 4,000 franchisees decided not to wait for the test results and have launched their own meal bundles in the meantime.

The push comes after a disappointing quarter. Scripps News reports U.S. same-store sales fell 0.2% in the July-September period, the first retreat for the company since early 2025, though it was less bad than the 0.5% drop Wall Street had expected.

Industry-wide, Scripps News cites Revenue Management Solutions data showing third-quarter U.S. fast-food foot traffic fell 2.6%.

Kempczinski told investors that previous efforts fell short because they lacked compelling low-end deals, saying customers should see a clear value proposition whether they want an affordable individual item, a complete meal or a digital app offer, per Scripps News.

The test bundles build on value plays already showing results. CFO Ian Borden credited a broader range of regional and national digital offers, including a $2 breakfast sandwich and free fries with a $1 minimum purchase, for helping reverse declining trends, according to Audacy's report of the call.

Audacy notes the initial responses to those mass digital offers exceeded expectations for guest counts and sales, and highlights a $5 Sausage McMuffin with egg meal and an $8 Big Mac meal.

Scripps News reports same-store sales moved into positive territory in September and October after in-app deals were restored, and that shares rose more than 5% in morning trading.

Semafor's profile of Kempczinski frames the value push inside his broader 'NEXT' strategy overhaul, which aims to make McDonald's 'more customers' first choice more often' through updated menus and modernized restaurants.

Semafor reports the complication is that about 95% of the world's 46,000 McDonald's restaurants are franchisee-owned, and some have pushed back against a proposal that could require $650,000 to $800,000 of investment per store.

Scripps News adds that only 60% of U.S. restaurants offered the revamped McValue menu as of August, and that the company replaced its U.S. president that month. Kempczinski told Semafor the headline investment number 'for sure is going to get knocked down' in franchisee feedback.

Kempczinski said the test results will determine which bundle structure resonates most with customers, works best operationally, and delivers sustainable incremental traffic and sales for franchisees, according to Audacy.

The context is an affordability-driven moment: Audacy notes Pew Research Center found 60% of Americans say they do not have enough income to lead the life they want and 27% are struggling with monthly bills. The national rollout decision comes in early 2027.